Guru Tegh Bahadur Prakash Purab 2026: Celebrating Guru’s Bani and timeless message of courage & sacrifice
The first five Gurus of the Ten Guru tradition, Guru Nanak Dev Ji, Guru Angad Dev Ji, Guru Amardas Ji, Guru Ramdas Ji, and Guru Arjun Dev Ji, composed the Bani. It was Guru Arjun Dev Ji who edited all the Bani according to the Ragas and composed the Adi Granth, which later became popular as the Sri Guru Granth Sahib. In addition to the Bani of the Gurus, Guru Ji also incorporated the Bani of contemporary devotees and Bhatts. Following him, the ninth Guru, Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, and the tenth Guru, Guru Gobind Singh Ji, composed the Bani. Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji’s Bani consists of 57 verses and 59 stanzas, which Guru Gobind Singh Ji included when he re-edited the Guru Granth Sahib at Talwandi Sabo. These Bani words are set in various ragas, primarily Ragas Varan, Raga Basant, Raga Ramkali, Raat Dhanasari, Raga Asa, etc. The Concept of Happiness The focus of Guru Teg Bahadur Ji’s teachings is the ideal life of a householder, life’s priorities, and the definition of true happiness. All human beings engage in various activities in pursuit of happiness, ultimately suffering in one form or another. This is the popular saying of Nanak: “The whole world is suffering,” and a person seeking happiness ends up suffering. To clarify the concept of happiness, Gurudev Kaur, referring to Guruji’s verse, writes that humans always desire happiness. Their entire working energy is focused on freeing themselves from suffering and attaining happiness. According to Guru Teg Bahadur
In 2026, the Sikh community will celebrate the Guru Tegh Bahadur Prakash Purab, marking the 375th anniversary of the martyrdom of the ninth Guru of the Sikh faith, Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji. This occasion serves as a reminder of his unwavering courage, sacrifice, and the timeless message of his teachings. Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, born as Guru Ram Rai, was the son of the fifth Guru, Guru Arjun Dev Ji. He succeeded his brother, Guru Hargobind Ji, as the ninth Guru in 1661.
The Guru Granth Sahib, the holy book of the Sikhs, is a compilation of the writings of the ten Gurus. The first five Gurus—Guru Nanak Dev Ji, Guru Angad Dev Ji, Guru Amardas Ji, Guru Ramdas Ji, and Guru Arjun Dev Ji—composed the Bani, or hymns, which were later edited and compiled by Guru Arjun Dev Ji into the Adi Granth. This collection, which later became known as the Sri Guru Granth Sahib, not only includes the Bani of the Gurus but also incorporates the hymns of contemporary devotees and Bhatts.
Following Guru Arjun Dev Ji, the ninth Guru, Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, and the tenth Guru, Guru Gobind Singh Ji, continued to compose their own Bani. Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji's Bani consists of 57 verses and 59 stanzas, which were included in the Guru Granth Sahib by Guru Gobind Singh Ji during his re-editing of the text at Talwandi Sabo. These verses are set to various ragas, primarily Ragas Varan, Raga Basant, Raga Ramkali, Raat Dhanasari, and Raga Asa.
The central theme of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji's teachings revolves around the concept of happiness. He emphasizes the importance of leading an ideal life as a householder and understanding the true meaning of happiness. Guruji observed that all human beings strive for happiness but often end up suffering in the process. This is reflected in Guru Nanak Dev Ji's famous saying, "The whole world is suffering," and Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji's teachings highlight that the pursuit of happiness can lead to further suffering.
To clarify the concept of happiness, Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji taught that true happiness can only be achieved through the meditation of the name of God, or Akal Purakh. He wrote, "Hari ko Naam sada sukhdaee, Jako simar ajaamal udhariyo ganka hu gati page." This means that true and lasting happiness lies in chanting the name of Hari. Chanting the name of God, Guruji believed, would free one from the cycle of suffering and ultimately lead to inner peace.
In addition to his teachings on happiness, Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji is also renowned for his unwavering commitment to truth and justice. His refusal to convert to Islam under Emperor Aurangzeb's orders led to his tragic martyrdom in 1675 at the age of 37. His sacrifice became a symbol of courage and steadfastness, inspiring generations of Sikhs to uphold their faith and values.
The Guru Tegh Bahadur Prakash Purab is an opportunity for Sikhs and non-Sikhs alike to reflect on the teachings of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji and his enduring message of courage, sacrifice, and the pursuit of true happiness. Communities across the world will come together to remember his life and legacy through prayers, cultural programs, and discussions on his teachings.
In conclusion, the Guru Tegh Bahadur Prakash Purab in 2026 will be a solemn yet celebratory occasion, honoring the ninth Guru's contributions to Sikhism and his timeless teachings on happiness, courage, and sacrifice. As the Sikh community marks this significant milestone, it serves as a reminder of the importance of living a life grounded in truth, devotion, and the pursuit of inner peace.
